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This smallest of African nations has more going for it than many countries several times its size. Flights to Banjul International Airport take you in under six hours to the capital city on the west coast. Here you can take time to slip in to the holiday spirit as you bask on one of the famous sandy beaches and plan your itinerary.

Although The Gambia is tiny in African terms, it boasts no less than six national parks and nature reserves.

A short taxi ride from Banjul will take you to the Abuko nature reserve. This was The Gambia's first reserve, established in 1916, it is also its most popular. A mixture of savannah and jungle offers you the opportunity to see up to 250 different species of birds plus crocodiles, monkeys and monitor lizards. There is also an education centre and refreshments area situated around an animal orphanage.

A relaxing boat trip up the River Gambia will take you through the Boa Bolong Wetland reserve, winding through dense mangrove until you arrive at a mosaic of marsh, salt-flats, and dry woodland. Here you have a chance to see the ever-inquisitive clawless otter, warthogs and manatee plus rare birds such as the Pels fishing owl, African fish eagle and osprey.

Bijilo Forest Park is a small rainforest, set on a cliff, next to the Kololi Senegambia strip. Here you may catch a glimpse of the red-necked falcon, grey hornbill, prinia, and various bee-eaters. It is also home to four species of monkey and the delightful bushbaby.

Deeper into the interior takes you to Kiang West National Park which has the largest and most diverse wildlife population. Situated 145 miles from Banjul, it is well worth booking in to one of the lodges and taking a few days out to explore this rich habitat.

Jinack Island is part of the Niumi National Park and comprises a sand spit which runs parallel with the coast on the North Bank of the Gambia river and becomes cut-off at high tide. On one side you'll find glorious beaches and on the other is a maze of mangrove creeks. Access to the island is via boat or ferry.

Finally, another reserve worth more than a few hours visit is the River Gambia National Park, also known as Baboon Islands. This is made up of five islands and is one of the last refuges of the hippopotamus in The Gambia. It is also home to the renowned Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Camp for orphaned and rescued chimps.

Any one of these excursions will surely leave you with wonderful memories of the beautiful subtropical gem that is The Gambia.